William Charles Branscomb

William “Bud” Branscomb, 65, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2025, in Vidalia, Georgia.

Born on October 23, 1959, Bud grew up in Beach Haven West, New Jersey, where he spent his early years clamming in the Barnegat Bay. He raised his family in New Jersey and worked as a mechanic for Stafford Township Public Works until retiring. After retirement, Bud and his wife, Dottie, moved to the Florida Keys, where they lived for five years in Fiesta Key before eventually settling in Georgia.

Bud was a life member of the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly served as Chief Engineer.

Racing was one of Bud’s lifelong passions. From his years working on pit crews at Wall Stadium and New Egypt Speedway to riding co-pilot for Rodney Chadwick in the Garvey Hot Rod, he was happiest around the roar of engines. That love carried through to his two oldest grandsons, who raced quarter midgets at Atco Raceway. He was a devoted NASCAR fan, with Sundays reserved for the race, and twice a year, you’d find him camping in Dover, Delaware — usually driving one of his wild inventions, like his most famous creation: the bar stool racers.

Bud also loved the outdoors — whether deer hunting, fishing, crabbing or sponge hunting in the Keys, he was always up for an adventure. But more than anything, Bud loved his family. He was a proud Grandpa to 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and he never missed a chance to brag about them.

He was a kind soul with a great sense of humor and a generous spirit. If something was broken, he’d fix it. If someone needed help, he was there. He lived simply, loved deeply, and made sure the people around him knew they mattered.

Bud was predeceased by his father, Bud Branscomb; his mother, Diane Branscomb; and his brother, John Branscomb. 

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dottie Branscomb, and their three children:

• Melissa Allen and her husband Jon of Egg Harbor City, NJ

• Jennifer Matuska of Little Egg Harbor, NJ

• Buddy Branscomb and his wife Kim of Simpsonville, SC

He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Colin Lewis, Matthew Flores, Morghan Allen, Caitlin Lewis, Nathan Allen, Cody Ammerman, Logan Allen, Dalton Matuska, and Buddy Branscomb; and two great-grandchildren: Harrison Pomrink and Heavenly Lewis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Stafford Township Fire Department on Stafford Avenue in Manahawkin, NJ. Please come as you are — He once said, “When I die, I don’t want a funeral, instead everyone better be standing around drinking a beer talking about the good times.” So that’s exactly what we’ll do.

Bud’s life was filled with love, laughter, hard work, and horsepower. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Low Country Cremation and Burial has the honor to serve the Branscomb family.